Sexually transmitted infections, better known as STIs, are incredibly common. STIs affect one in five people in the United States, according to the CDC. But the stigma also spreads through myths, cultural taboos, and beliefs that STIs only happen to “certain kinds of people.”
You don’t have to wait until you’re having symptoms before you seek STI testing. In fact, many STIs don’t exhibit visual symptoms all the time, especially in the beginning. Your doctor can give you more information on what tests are right for you depending on your own unique health factors.
References
Haskins, J. (2018). How to talk to your partner about STDs. The Nation’s Health.
Healthy People 2030. (n.d.). Sexually transmitted infections. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
MyHealthFinder. (2023). STD testing: Conversation starters. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.
Nemours Foundation. (2019). Telling your partner you have an STD.
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